Choosing between the standard six-speed manual gearbox and optional seven-speed DSG ‘box is a no-brainer. In real-world conditions, the manual version falls some way short of its claimed 5.7sec 0-62mph sprint time.

By comparison, the smoother DSG ‘box hits its 5.5sec marker more accurately. The latter option is also more economical on the combined cycle (33.6mpg vs 33.2mpg) and slightly less harmful to the environment, emitting 195g/km CO2 against the manual car’s 199g/km figure.

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First drives

The Golf R cabriolet isn't based on the seventh-generation platform, rather the previous version which underpins the GTI cab